40 Under 40: Kellie Clay ’10, ’12MEd

Success is watching a child’s eyes light up when they love a book that I’m reading to them, seeing them run up to me with a book in their hands ready to discuss the story, or helping them discover a new favorite book. When my kids are eager to share a book with me, or when a book is returned to the library that has been read to the point of being broken, those are the little everyday moments that make me so proud.

Children should be able to choose the books they want and not worry that they aren’t on their level or that the graphic novel they cherish isn’t a “real” book. I hope to create a genuine reading culture within our school where every child and adult is an engaged, avid reader. I’d love to find a way to help schools across Philadelphia build or rebuild school libraries and staff them with qualified librarians. We know what impact libraries have on children and society, and we need to remind people how necessary they are. I hope to not need to advocate for libraries in five years, but I will continue to do so.